Please can you give me an introduction about yourself

I am originally from Warwickshire and have spent the past 30+ years living in East Yorkshire. I graduated in Fine Art Printmaking at Farnham College of Art. During my career, I have worked within education and design/ print industry. I have two daughters, two cats, six runner ducks, one bantam and live with my long term partner Adrian.

We originally had a pottery producing our own hand made and hand painted porcelain which sold across the uk, Ireland & USA.

After opening two galleries exhibiting my work, we decided to let the pottery go and concentrate on my artwork. We have been running the Scarborough gallery for nine years and it’s still going strong. I have a beautiful studio at home which we designed and built ourselves and it is where I spend most of my time creating.

What inspired you to paint?

I’ve always been creative. From leaving school it was a natural progression to go to my local Art School and on to higher education. Although I graduated in Printmaking - my first love was painting.

Describe your creative process; from start to finish of a painting. Where do you find your inspiration?

Described as ‘erratic’ in school reports - things haven’t changed much. I work intuitively and thank my lucky stars that I have a vivid imagination. Ideas tend to pop into my mind out of the blue and I explore them - sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t but on the whole I have more successes than failures.

I always start with a black or very dark canvas. Never a white one. Colours come to life on a dark ground. I don’t sketch a great deal but prefer to work straight to canvas and let the painting evolve while I work - that keeps the thought process fresh and open to new ideas.

I’m always observing my surroundings, ie buildings, clouds, nature, surface, details. Being observant is crucial. The detail in my work is important and helps with the narrative.

What is your favourite piece of work and why?

I’m fond of a lot of my work - a lot of hard work and love goes into every painting and I get very attached to them! I do have a few favourites but can’t decide which to name!

Tracy Savage The florist Painting — ‘The Florist’

What do you think makes your work unique?

Different factors work together. My paintings appeal to a vast cross section of age groups which is always a delight to me.

Nostalgia and humour are a potent mix with attention to detail and atmosphere that sets the backdrop to a story that is waiting to be told.

This seems to resonate with my audience. Most importantly to me as an artist, be authentic to yourself and don’t mimic others.

What is the purpose/goal of your work?

First and foremost I paint for myself. I’m blessed as what I paint makes others happy which is an absolute bonus and never taken lightly.

Who is your favourite artist and why? Do they have an influence on your work?

I love illustrations from the early Ladybird books, especially nature books. They evoke a nostalgia in me and some of them are so well considered and executed.

Elaine Pamphilon is an artist I like - her style is a total contrast to mine in that she works in a subtle, naive and contemporary style.

I also love the work of the Danish artist; Pedor Mork Monsted. His realistic paintings depicting rural life are sublime. I wouldn’t say they have any influence on my work. I like many other artists - too many to list.

Are you currently working on any new exciting projects?

Yes - but I can’t divulge details yet.

Why do you think art is important in society?

When I see complete strangers communicating with each other about my work in the gallery there is something quite special happening.

Art cuts across boundaries, it invites questions and sometimes it gives answers. Art is a private response but can equally be a shared experience. The most important thing for me as an artist is that it brings a smile, a memory or just simple enjoyment. Art also encourages others to explore their own creativity. I don’t use art for making political statements I leave that to others. I do however, paint for well-being.

https://tracysavage.co.uk

Instagram: tracysavage.artist

ARTIST INTERVIEW: Tracy Savage